Definition of a home inspection: A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. Wikipedia

Now that we’ve defined an inspection, let’s go over a few basic questions from the buyer'‘s perspective to get us started:

When is a home inspection done? This will be stated and negotiated in the purchase agreement. Generally the buyer has 7-10 days to do an inspection and submit in writing, the items that they would like the seller to repair or replace.
When does a buyer pay for the home inspection? Same day as the inspection unless they have made other arrangements with the inspector.
Who is at the home inspection? The home inspector and the buyers. The buyer’s Realtor CAN be there, but should not be actively participating in the inspection. The sellers CAN be there (it is their home), but usually are not. If they are, they can not participate in the inspection.
After the buyer(s) get the report from the inspector, what is next? The buyer(s) and their Realtor will discuss what they are going to ask the seller to repair or replace. This is done in writing and the buyer needs to sign a request form.
The seller has the buyer’s requests, now what? The inspection items are negotiated. The seller may agree to do all of them, none of them, or offer a dollar amount for the buyer to get the repair done after closing. Depending on the extent of the repairs, this may take a few days to negotiate if any estimates from contractors are needed.
What if the seller and buyer can’t agree? Purchase agreement is canceled and earnest money is returned.

Sounds a bit intense doesn’t it? Well, it certainly can be! As always, this is why you want to choose your Realtor wisely. If you, the buyer, has found your DREAM home, you don’t want this phase of the home buying process to bomb your deal. This should be a TANGO not an ARM WRESTLING match.

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Let's get down, dirty and detailed with home inspections!

Now that we’ve defined an inspection, let’s go over a few basic questions from the buyer'‘s perspective to get us started:

When is a home inspection done? This will be stated and negotiated in the purchase agreement. Generally the buyer has 7-10 days to do an inspection and submit in writing, the items that they would like the seller to repair or replace.

When does a buyer pay for the home inspection? Same day as the inspection unless they have made other arrangements with the inspector.

Who is at the home inspection? The home inspector and the buyers. The buyer’s Realtor CAN be there, but should not be actively participating in the inspection. The sellers CAN be there (it is their home), but usually are not. If they are, they can not participate in the inspection.

After the buyer(s) get the report from the inspector, what is next? The buyer(s) and their Realtor will discuss what they are going to ask the seller to repair or replace. This is done in writing and the buyer needs to sign a request form.

What if the seller and buyer can’t agree? Purchase agreement is canceled and earnest money is returned.

Sounds a bit intense doesn’t it? Well, it certainly can be! As always, this is why you want to choose your Realtor wisely. If you, the buyer, has found your DREAM home, you don’t want this phase of the home buying process to bomb your deal. This should be a TANGO not an ARM WRESTLING match.

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